Microsoft insists $100 payouts aren’t the only way to draw developers to Windows 8

Microsoft (MSFT) is willing to pay app developers $100 for every Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 app they develop, but the company insists that payouts aren’t its main strategy for improving its app ecosystem. A Microsoft spokespersonÂ told AllThingsD that the company believes “the best apps come from those partners who are invested in the platform and own their experience now and in the future” and that its limited-time $100 offer “is not representative of an ongoing program.” Microsoft has put a lot of effort into attracting developers to both Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 as it tries to generate developer enthusiasm for its platforms that matches the level of enthusiasm for iOS and Android. A recent study by PCMag showed thatÂ Windows Phone 8 now offers 63% of the 102 most popular apps available for iOS and Android.